Tamper evident reclosable seals

ABSTRACT

A container has a reclosable zipper seal. The zipper includes a slider that facilitates opening and closing of the zipper. The container also includes a tamper evidence device. The tamper evidence device provides an indication as to whether the container has been substantially opened. The tamper evidence device may be part of the container, the zipper, the slider, or combinations thereof. The tamper evidence device may include a membrane, spot seals, one or more seals of container walls, a seal of zipper profile walls, a tack, a drape, an adhesive, or deformed material resulting from formation of an opening formed through the slider and the zipper profiles. The tamper evidence device may require breakage the first time the container is opened. The tamper evidence device may provide an initial resistance to the first act of opening the container.

BACKGROUND

Reclosable seals are used in a variety of applications, one examplebeing for sealing the opening of a bag. A variety of reclosable sealscurrently exist, but no one prior to the inventors has created or usedthe invention described in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims that particularly pointout and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the presentinvention will be better understood from the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals identify the same elements. The drawings and detaileddescription which follow are intended to be merely illustrative and arenot intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in theappended claims.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a bag having a reclosable seal.

FIG. 2 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of a tamper evidentreclosable seal.

FIG. 3 depicts perspective view of a bag having an alternative tamperevident reclosable seal.

FIG. 4 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternativetamper evident reclosable seal.

FIG. 5 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternativetamper evident reclosable seal.

FIG. 6 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the tamper evidentreclosable seal of FIG. 5 after subsequent processing.

FIG. 7 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternativetamper evident reclosable seal.

FIG. 8 depicts a partial view of a slider and zipper profiles having atamper evidence device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description should not be used to limit the scope of thepresent invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, andadvantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following description, which includes by way ofillustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out theinvention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of otherdifferent and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention.Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive. It should therefore beunderstood that the inventors contemplate a variety of embodiments thatare not explicitly disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 depicts a bag (30) having a reclosable seal in the form of azipper (10). Bag (30) has a right side (32) and a left side (34).Similarly, zipper (10) has a right profile (12) and a left profile (14).Right profile (12) of zipper (10) is secured to right side (32) of bag(30), while left profile (14) of zipper (10) is secured to left side(34) of bag (30). As used herein, terms such as “right,” “left,”“above,” “below,” and the like are used simply to refer to the relativepositioning of elements in the drawings, and are not intended to belimiting in any way. While the present example includes a bag (30), itwill be appreciated that zipper (10) or any other reclosable seal may beused on any other type of container or receptacle, including but notlimited to envelopes, pouches, sacks, and the like. As used herein, theterms “container” and “receptacle” shall be read to include anythingconfigured to hold and contain an object or materials. To the extentthat the container is a bag, it will be appreciated that any type of bagmay be used, including but not limited to gusseted, non-gusseted, paper,plastic, multi-laminate, woven polypropylene bags, and the like. Othersuitable containers will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart.

It will be appreciated that profiles (12, 14) of zipper (10) may besecured to bag (30) in any suitable fashion. In one embodiment, profiles(12, 14) are secured to bag (30) by a pre-applied, heat-activatedadhesive. Such adhesive may be activated by hot air, by hot rolling, orby any other suitable method. In another embodiment, profiles (12, 14)are secured to bag (30) by an epoxy bond. In this embodiment, a firstcompound is applied to each profile (12, 14) and a second compound isapplied to the portions of bag (30) that will ultimately come intocontact with profiles (12, 14). The first and second compounds areconfigured such that, when joined together, the compounds form aphysical bond. Accordingly, a bond is formed when profiles (12, 14) areplaced in contact with the aforementioned portions of bag (30), therebysecuring profiles (12, 14) to bag (30). Alternatively, any othertechnique may be used to secure profiles (12, 14) to bag (30), includingbut not limited to heat-sealing, stitching, adhesives, press-sealing,cold welding, pressure bonding, double-sided tape. Where profiles (12,14) are stitched to bag (30), it will be appreciated that such stitchingmay include, by way of example only, sewing or ultrasonic stitching.Still other suitable techniques for securing profiles (12, 14) to bag(30) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the present example, profiles (12, 14) comprise an extruded plasticmaterial. Of course, profiles (12, 14) may be formed of any othersuitable material, and by any other suitable process. Respective ends(18, 20) of profiles (12, 14) may be secured together by any suitabletechnique, including but not limited to a hot knife, hot glue, otheradhesives, heat sealing, stitching, cold welding, pressure bonding,hooks, tape, clamps, rivets, or any other suitable technique or device.

It will be appreciated that zipper (10) is operable to seal bag (30). Inthe present example, such sealing occurs upon closure of zipper (10) byengagement of right profile (12) with left profile (14). As used herein,the term “seal” and its variants shall be read to generally imply theprevention of at least a substantial portion material (e.g., solids,gases, and/or liquids) from escaping or entering the container. However,such a “seal” need not per se be perfectly “air tight” or “water tight”as those phrases are commonly used and understood.

As shown in FIG. 2, right profile (12) and left profile (14) each have apair of complimentary teeth (22) extending the length of the respectiveprofiles (12, 14). Of course, each profile (12, 14) could have a singletooth (12), rather than a plurality of teeth (22). In the presentexample, closure of zipper (10) results from engagement of teeth (22),thereby effecting a seal of bag (30). In left profile (14), a hinge (24)is located adjacent teeth (22). It will be appreciated that hinge (24)may prevent inadvertent disengagement of teeth (22), such as by outwardseparation of sides (32, 34) of bag (30) and/or profiles (12, 14). Ofcourse, right profile (12) may include a hinge (24) in addition to or asan alternative to left profile (14) having hinge. Alternatively, anysuitable alternative to hinge (24) may be used, including but notlimited to no hinge (24) at all. Each profile (12, 14) further comprisesa flange region (11), which is adjacent teeth (22).

Engagement or disengagement of profiles (12, 14) at teeth (22) may beeffected or otherwise facilitated by a slider (16), which is shown inFIG. 1. Slider (16) is configured to slide longitudinally along zipper(10) to bring profiles (12, 14) together into engagement or forceprofiles (12, 14) apart for disengagement, depending upon whichdirection slider (16) is slid. Sliders (16) are well known in the art,and any type of slider (16) may be used. In the present example, eachprofile (12, 14) has a guide (13), with which slider (16) is engaged. Ofcourse, slider (16) is optional, and any suitable alternative to slider(16) may be used, including but not limited to no slider (16) at all.

As is also shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface of the right side (32) ofbag (30) is secured to the inner surface of right profile (12) in flangeregion (11); while the outer surface of left side (34) of bag (30) issecured to the inner surface of left profile (14) in flange region (11).In another embodiment, sides (32, 34) of bag (30) are secured to theouter surfaces of respective profiles (12, 14). Of course, sides (32,34) may be secured to profiles (12, 14) in any other configuration. Inyet another embodiment, right side (32) of bag (30) and right profile(12) are a homogenous continuum of material (e.g., a single piece); andleft side (34) of bag (30) and left profile (14) are a homogenouscontinuum of material. Still other suitable relative configurations ofsides (32, 34) of bag (30) and profiles (12, 14) of zipper (10) will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it may bedesirable to provide some kind of assurance or indication as to whethera zipper (10) has been previously opened. In other words, it may bedesirable to provide a device that is configured to show whether azipper (10) and/or bag (30) has been tampered with. As used herein, theterm “tamper evidence device,” including its variants, shall be read toinclude any feature, technique, and/or structure that is configured toprovide evidence or indication that a bag (30) has been opened orotherwise tampered with. As used herein, the term “tamper” and itsvariants shall be read to include, but need not be limited to, an act ofopening a bag (30) substantially or completely and/or gainingsubstantial or full access to its contents. Various exemplary devicesfor providing tamper evidence are shown in FIGS. 2-8. In these examples,the various tamper evidence devices include some type of seal that mustbe breached when the bag (30) is first opened completely (e.g., thefirst time complete access to the contents of bag (30) is gained). Itwill be appreciated, however, that the devices described hereafter aremerely exemplary, and that tamper evidence may be provided by a varietyof alternative devices. It will also be appreciated that the followingexamples and/or alternatives thereof may be used in isolation or incombination with one another. In addition, while tamper devicesdisclosed herein may provide tamper evidence, such devices may alsoprovide other functionality and benefits not explicitly discussedherein.

In FIG. 2, a membrane (26) is positioned adjacent each profile (12, 14).In the present example, membrane (26) comprises a strip of a plasticmaterial. Alternatively, membrane (26) may comprise any other materialor combination of materials, including but not limited to fabric, paper,foil, metal, and the like. In one embodiment, membrane (26) comprises asubstantially transparent material, while each profile (12, 14)comprises a substantially opaque material. Of course, membrane (26),right profile (12), and/or left profile (14) may have any otherproperty, including but not limited to transparency, translucency,and/or opaqueness, color variations, including combinations thereof. Inthe present example, the wall thickness of membrane (26) is thinner thanthe wall thickness of profiles (12, 14). Of course, membrane (26) mayalternatively be the same thickness as profiles (12, 14) or thicker thanprofiles (12, 14). Membrane (26) may be secured to profiles (12, 14) orwalls (32, 34) via any suitable technique, including but not limited toheat-sealing, stitching, adhesives, press-sealing, cold welding,pressure bonding, double-sided tape, and the like. In anotherembodiment, membrane (26) is extruded with profiles (12, 14), such thatmembrane (26) and profiles (12, 14) comprise a homogenous continuum ofmaterial. In yet another embodiment, instead of being secured toprofiles (12, 14), membrane (26) is secured to sides (32, 34) of bag(30). In still another embodiment, membrane (26) is secured to profiles(12, 14), and sides (32, 34) are secured to membrane (26). Othersuitable configurations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art.

Membrane (26) of the present example is configured such that, when bag(30) is first opened, membrane (26) must be broken, torn, or otherwisebreached in order to reach the contents of bag (30). Initial breach ofmembrane (26) may be facilitated by providing perforation (28) or otherweakened feature in membrane (26). In one embodiment, membrane (26)includes a central, longitudinal perforation (28) along its length. Inanother embodiment, membrane (26) includes a longitudinal perforationalong its junction each profile (12, 14). In still another embodiment,membrane (26) includes a longitudinal perforation along its junctionwith side (32 and/or 34) of bag (30). In yet another embodiment, astring, tab, or the like may be pulled to rip membrane (26). Still otherways of facilitating breach of membrane (26) will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, profiles (12, 14) include aplurality of intermittent spot seals (40). Spot seals (40) join rightprofile (12) with left profile (14). Spot seals (40) may be provided byany suitable technique, including but not limited to heat-sealing,ultrasonic stitching, adhesives, press-sealing, cold welding, pressurebonding, double-sided tape, and the like. As shown, spot seals (40) arepositioned below teeth (22) (i.e. between teeth (22) and bag (30)).However, it will be appreciated that spot seals (40) may be positionedabove teeth (22) (“external”) in addition to or as an alternative tobeing positioned below teeth (22) (“internal”). Similarly, spot seals(40) may be provided in bag (30). In the present example, when bag (30)is first opened, spot seals (40) must be breached in order to gain fullaccess to the contents of bag (30). It will be appreciated that suchbreach may be accomplished simply by pulling profiles (12, 14) apartwith sufficient force to break spot seals (40). In one embodiment, thespot seals (40) break without compromising the wall integrity ofprofiles (12, 14). Of course, spot seals (40) need not comprise “spots”per se, and may comprise any suitable pattern, including but not limitedto a continuous, longitudinal weld line along the length of profiles(12, 14) and/or sides (32, 34) of bag (30).

In addition to or as an alternative to having profiles (12, 14)comprising one or more tamper evidence devices, bag (30) may comprise atamper evidence device. One such device is shown in FIG. 4, which showsbag (30) having a plurality of intermittent seals (50). In this example,seal (50) joins the inner wall of right side (32) of bag (30) with theinner wall of right side (34) of bag (30). In the present example, theinner walls of right side (32) and left side (34) comprise a plasticmaterial, and seal (50) is provided by heating the plastic material. Inanother embodiment, seal (50) is provided by an adhesive, such as aglue. It will be appreciated that seal (50) may extend substantially thelength of sides (32, 34). In yet another embodiment, seal (50) comprisesa plurality of discrete spot seals (40). Thus, seal (50) may beconsidered a variation of spot seal (40), but the same is formed in bag(30) instead of the profiles (12, 14). Still other ways of providingseal (50) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Seal (50) may be provided along at least a substantial portion of thelength of bag (30), as a continuous line, as a pattern, as a brokenline, or in any other suitable configuration. It will also beappreciated that, where sides (32, 34) of bag comprise a plurality oflayers, seal (50) may join the innermost layers only, or the innermostlayers in addition to other layers of the plurality. As with membrane(26) and spot seals (40) in profiles (12, 14), seal (50) may be breachedthe first time full access to contents of bag (30) is gained by pullingprofiles (12, 14) and/or sides (32, 34) of bag (30) apart withsufficient force. One advantage of seal (50) may arise during thefilling process. Bags (30) are often filled from the bottom afterprofiles (12, 14) are affixed to the bag (30). The process of fillingcan introduce significant loads and could compromise a zipper (10) sealif the load is introduced directly. Intermediary seals (50) may absorbthe filling load instead of zipper (10). While a few seals (50) maybreak, the rest of the seals (50) may remain intact. Of course, seals(50) may be formed after a bag (30) is filled.

Yet another embodiment of a tamper evidence device is shown in FIGS. 5and 6. In this embodiment, prior to being secured to bag (30), flangeregions (11) at the bottom of each profile (12, 14) are joined togetheralong the length of profiles (12, 14), resulting in a tack (60) beingprovided at the bottom of a “V”-like configuration. Tack (60) may beeffected by any suitable technique, including but not limited to heatsealing, spot welding, stitching (e.g., sewing, ultrasonic stitching,and the like), adhesives, or any other technique. When tack (60) hasbeen provided, profiles (12, 14) are then folded as shown in FIG. 6,such that tack (60) is moved upward, resulting flange regions (11)forming a “W”-like configuration. In this “W”-like configuration,upturned portion (62) of right profile (12) is adjacent tack (60), as isupturned portion (64) of left profile (14). Upturned portion (62)defines right valley (66) with the remainder of right profile (12);while upturned portion (64) defines left valley (68) with the remainderof left profile (14). In the present example, sides (32, 34) of bag aresecured to upturned portions (62, 64) of profiles (12, 14). Suchsecuring may be accomplished by any of the aforementioned techniques, orany alternative technique. Of course, sides (32, 34) may bealternatively secured to the remainder of profiles (12, 14) (e.g., tothe outside of profiles (12, 14)). In any event, tack (60) and/orupturned portions (62, 64) of the present example must be breached uponinitial access to contents of bag (30), such that tack (60) and/orupturned portions (62, 64) provide a tamper evidence device. It will beappreciated that tack (60) and/or any part(s) of upturned portions (62,64) may be perforated or otherwise weakened to facilitate such breach.It will also be appreciated that an adhesive, such as glue by way ofexample only, may be applied in valleys (66, 68). Where an adhesive isapplied in valleys (66, 68), upturned portions (62, 64) may be adheredto respective, adjacent profile (12, 14) walls. Still other suitableconfigurations for an embodiment having tack (60) will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

Alternatively, profiles (12, 14) may be extruded as a single piece,either in the “V”-like configuration shown in FIG. 5, in the “W”-likeconfiguration shown in FIG. 6, or in any other configuration. By way ofexample only, where profiles (12, 14) are extruded as a single piece,the unified profiles (12, 14) may be joined to bag (30) in a mannersimilar to that shown in FIG. 6. In the region analogous to that wheretack (60) would be if profiles (12, 14) were not extruded as a singlepiece, a perforation or other weakening feature may be present tofacilitate separation of profiles (12, 14). Of course, any othertechniques, features, and configurations may be used.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, a tamper evidence device comprisesa drape (70). Drape (70) is positioned externally over the tops ofprofiles (12, 14). Alternatively, drape (70) may be positionedexternally over slider (16) only. Drape (70) may longitudinally extendalong the entire length of profiles (12, 14), or one or more portionsthereof. Drape (70) may longitudinally terminate adjacent to orproximate to slider (16), or may cover slider (16). Drape (70) mayextend downwardly such that it terminates adjacent to profiles (12, 14),such that it terminates adjacent to sides (32, 34) of bag (30), orcombinations thereof. Drape (70) may be secured to profiles (12, 14)and/or sides (32, 34) by any of the aforementioned securing techniquesor any alternative techniques. Other suitable configurations for drape(70) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. By way ofexample only, drape (70) may comprise tape, film, paper, combinationsthereof, or any other suitable material(s). In the present example,drape (70) must be breached on order to initially disengage teeth (22).Such breach may be facilitated by one or more perforated regions indrape (70), by a string or tab that may be pulled to rip the drape (70),or by any other suitable structure or technique.

In addition to or as an alternative to having profiles (12, 14) and/orbag (30) comprise one or more tamper evidence devices, slider (16) maycomprise a tamper evidence device. Such slider (16) devices may providean initial resistance to movement of slider (16). As used herein,particularly when referring to slider (16), the phrase “initialresistance” shall be understood to include a resistance encountered whenslider (16) is slid for the first time. Such initial resistance will begreater than the resistance encountered during subsequent movement ofslider (16). In other words, an initial resistance may provide anindividual with tactile feedback indicating whether the slider (16) hasbeen initially moved. The amount of initial resistance may be greatenough to prevent movement of slider (16) during general handling of thecontainer, but small enough to be overcome without causing substantialdamage to slider (16), profiles (12, 14), and/or the container. Incertain embodiments, a tamper evidence device may provide a relativelyhigh resistance to initial movement of slider (16) (e.g., relative toresistance encountered during subsequent movement of slider (16)), whilenot substantially affecting subsequent movement of slider (16).

FIG. 8 depicts slider (16) having a transverse opening (80) formedtherethrough. Opening (80) is also formed through profiles (12, 14). Inone embodiment, opening (80) is formed by the insertion of a hotneedle-like structure through slider (16) and adjacent portions ofprofiles (12, 14) after slider (16) has been mounted to profiles (12,14). In this embodiment, material adjacent opening (80) is slightlymelted, resulting in slight deformation of the profiles (12, 14)adjacent to opening (80). It will be appreciated that such melting anddeformation may provide an initial resistance to movement of slider(16). In other words, the melting and deformation of material mayprovide a seal within opening (80), and the breaking of such a seal willbe required to move slider (16) for the first time. The breaking of theseal will provide the initial resistance, thereby indicating that slider(16) is being moved for the first time. In the present example,subsequent movement of slider (16) will not be substantially affected byopening (80) or the melting/deformation resulting from the formation ofopening (80).

In another embodiment, similar melting/deformation is obtained by a theuse of a laser to form opening (80). Alternatively, any other source offocusable heat energy may be used to form opening (80) with melting-typedeformation.

In another embodiment, opening (80) is formed by a member having ahook-like structure at its end being inserted through slider (16) andpulled back through opening (80). Accordingly, the hook-like structurewill pass through adjacent portions of profiles (12, 14) as well. Itwill be appreciated that, during withdrawal of the hook-like structure,the hook-like structure will pull material back through opening (80),which will result in deformation of the material. The presence of thisdeformed material within opening (80) will provide a seal within opening(80) similar to the seal provided by insertion of a hot needle-likestructure through slider (16). Accordingly, the breaking of the sealwill provide the above-described initial resistance, thereby indicatingthat slider (16) is being moved for the first time. Subsequent movementof slider (16) will not be substantially affected by opening (80) or thepull-through deformation resulting from the formation of opening (80).While a hook-like structure has been described for obtaining thepull-trough deformation, it will be appreciated that any other structureor technique may be used to effect pull-through and/or push-throughdeformation.

In yet another embodiment of the slider depicted in FIG. 8, a member isinserted into opening (80) to provide the initial resistance. In oneembodiment, the inserted member is breakable, such that the insertedmember is broken when slider (16) is first slid to disengage teeth (22).In this embodiment, this breaking will provide the initial resistance,while the member will not substantially affect subsequent movement ofslider. In another embodiment, the inserted member is removable, suchthat the inserted member must be removed before slider (16) may bemoved. In this embodiment, the inserted member and/or slider (16) may beconfigured such that once the inserted member is removed, it cannot bere-inserted. Other features and variations of an inserted member and/oropening (80) to provide a tamper evidence device will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

In still another embodiment, an adhesive is placed on slider (16) and/oron profiles (12, 14) near slider (16). In this embodiment, the adhesiveprovides the initial resistance to movement of slider (16). Theproperties of the adhesive are such that, when slider (16) is moved withsufficient force to break the seal or bond provided by the adhesive,damage to slider (16) and/or profiles (12, 14) will not result. Forinstance, the adhesive may comprise a rubbery glue-like material. Othersuitable adhesives for this embodiment and variations thereof will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In another embodiment, initial resistance to movement of slider (16) isprovided by sealing at least a portion of teeth (22) together. Forinstance, a longitudinal membrane may be used to join the tops ofprofiles (12, 14) in the vertical region between teeth (22) and slider(16). This membrane and slider (16) may be configured such that movementof slider (16) is required to break the membrane. Before and during thisbreaking movement of slider (16), however, the membrane providesresistance to movement of slider. In the present example, the membranemay be longitudinally perforated or otherwise weakened to facilitatebreaking of the membrane by slider (16). Alternatively, an adhesive maybe used to join profiles (12, 14) together in the region between theteeth (22) slider (16). Such an adhesive may provide initial resistance,yet have no significant effect on performance of slider (16) and/orzipper (10) during subsequent use. Still other membrane-slider oradhesive features, variations, and combinations will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

In still another embodiment, opening (80) is formed through profiles(12, 14) proximate to slider (16), but not through slider (16). Such anopening (80) may be formed by any suitable technique, including but notlimited to insertion of a hot needle-like structure, insertion of ahook-like structure, or any other technique. It will be appreciated thatsuch an opening (80) formed through profiles (12, 14) may providefeatures and advantages similar to those provided by having a similaropening (80) formed through slider (16). Of course, there may beadditional advantages, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art.

While the foregoing tamper evidence devices have been described asproviding a way in which tampering may be detected, it will beappreciated that such devices may provide other uses as well. By way ofexample only, it will be appreciated that during the normal course ofhandling of a given container, for instance from the time it is filledto the time it reaches a shelf in a retail setting, the handling mayurge slider (16) to move, profiles (12, 14) to separate, or lead toother potentially undesirable results. The foregoing tamper evidencedevices may provide resistance to those and other results. For instance,and without limitation, an opening (80) formed through slider (16)and/or profiles (12, 14) may prevent inadvertent movement of slider (16)during handling.

Of course, the foregoing examples are merely illustrative, and are notintended to be limiting in any way.

Having shown and described various embodiments and concepts of theinvention, further adaptations of the methods and systems describedherein can be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of theinvention. Several of such potential alternatives, modifications, andvariations have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, theinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modificationsand variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structureand operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

1. A container system, comprising: (a) a container, comprising anopening defined by a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein thefirst side wall and the second side wall each have an inner surface andan outer surface; (b) a zipper positioned at the container opening, thezipper comprising: (i) a first profile having an inner surface, an outersurface, and one or more teeth adjacent the inner surface, and (ii) asecond profile having an inner surface, an outer surface, and one ormore teeth adjacent the inner surface,  wherein the zipper is operableto selectively open and close a seal of the container opening uponengagement between the one or more teeth of the first profile and theone or more teeth of the second profile; and (c) a membrane secured tothe inner surfaces of the first profile and the second profile, whereinthe membrane and the first and second profiles are formed separately. 2.The container system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the firstside of the container is secured to the inner surface of the firstprofile, wherein the outer surface of the second side of the containeris secured to the inner surface of the second profile.
 3. The containersystem of claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises a substantiallytransparent plastic material.
 4. The container system of claim 1,wherein the first and second sides of the container are secured to thefirst and second profiles at respective container securing locations onthe first and second profiles, wherein the membrane is secured to thefirst and second profiles at respective membrane securing locations onthe first and second profiles.
 5. The container system of claim 4,wherein each of the respective membrane securing locations is positionedbetween the one or more teeth and the container securing location ofeach of the first and second profiles.
 6. The container system of claim1, wherein the membrane comprises a substantially transparent plasticmaterial. perforation.
 7. The container system of claim 1, wherein themembrane is not resealable.
 8. A container system, comprising: (a) acontainer, comprising an opening defined by a first side wall and asecond side wall, wherein the first side wall and the second side walleach have an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) a zipper positionedat the container opening, the zipper comprising: (i) a first profilehaving an inner surface, an outer surface, and one or more teethadjacent the inner surface, and (ii) a second profile having an innersurface, an outer surface, and one or more teeth adjacent the innersurface,  wherein the zipper is operable to selectively open and close aseal of the container opening upon engagement between the one or moreteeth of the first profile and the one or more teeth of the secondprofile; and (c) one or more spot seals, wherein the one or more spotseals are positioned and configured to resist a first act of opening ofthe container, wherein the one or more spot seals are configured to haveno substantial effect on subsequent acts of opening the container,wherein the one or more spot seals are breakable without compromisingwall integrity, wherein the spot seals are non-resealable.
 9. Thecontainer system of claim 8, wherein the spot seals secure the firstprofile to the second profile.
 10. The container system of claim 8,wherein the spot seals comprise intermittent heat welds.
 11. A containersystem, comprising: (a) a container, comprising an opening defined by afirst side wall and a second side wall, wherein the first side wall andthe second side wall each have an inner surface and an outer surface;(b) a zipper secured to the container, the zipper comprising: (i) afirst profile having an inner surface, an outer surface, one or moreteeth adjacent the inner surface, and a flange region, and (ii) a secondprofile having an inner surface, an outer surface, one or more teethadjacent the inner surface, and a flange region,  wherein the zipper isconfigured to provide a seal upon engagement between the teeth of thefirst profile and the teeth of the second profile, wherein the flangeregions of the first and second profiles form a “W”-like configuration,the “W”-like configuration comprising an upturned portion of the firstprofile, a remainder portion of the first profile, a first valleydefined by the upturned portion of the first profile and the remainderportion of the first profile, an upturned portion of the second profile,a remainder portion of the second profile, and a second valley definedby the upturned portion of the second profile and the remainder portionof the second profile, wherein the teeth of each profile are positionedon the remainder portion of each profile.
 12. The container system ofclaim 11, wherein the first side of the container is secured to theupturned portion of the first profile, wherein the second side of thecontainer is secured to the upturned portion of the second profile. 13.The container system of claim 11, further comprising an adhesive locatedin each of the first and second valleys.
 14. The container system ofclaim 11, wherein the upturned portions of the first and second profileare each joined at a tack.
 15. A container system, comprising: (a) acontainer, comprising an opening defined by a first side wall and asecond side wall, wherein the first side wall and the second side walleach have an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) a zipper positionedin the container opening, the zipper comprising: (i) a first profilehaving an inner surface, an outer surface, and one or more teethadjacent the inner surface, (ii) a second profile having an innersurface, an outer surface, and one or more teeth adjacent the innersurface, wherein the zipper is configured to provide a seal uponengagement between the one or more teeth of the first profile and theone or more teeth of the second profile, and (iii) a slider, wherein theslider is configured to engage and disengage the teeth of the first andsecond profiles; and (c) an opening formed in the first profile and thesecond profile, wherein the opening comprises deformed material, whereinthe deformed material is configured to provide resistance to a first actof movement of the slider.
 16. The container system of claim 15, whereinthe opening is also formed in the slider.
 17. The container system ofclaim 15, wherein the deformed material is deformed by an act ofmelting.
 18. The container system of claim 17, wherein the act ofmelting is performed with a hot needle-like structure.
 19. The containersystem of claim 15, wherein the deformed material is deformed by an actof pulling material of the zipper through the opening.
 20. The containersystem of claim 19, wherein the act of pulling material of the zipperthrough the opening is performed with a hook-like structure.
 21. Acontainer system, comprising: (a) a container, comprising an openingdefined by a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein the firstside wall and the second side wall each have an inner surface and anouter surface; (b) a zipper positioned at the container opening, thezipper comprising: (i) a first profile having an inner surface, an outersurface, and one or more teeth adjacent the inner surface, and (ii) asecond profile having an inner surface, an outer surface, and one ormore teeth adjacent the inner surface,  wherein the zipper is operableto selectively open and close a seal of the container opening uponengagement between the one or more teeth of the first profile and theone or more teeth of the second profile; (c) a membrane secured to theinner surfaces of the first profile and the second profile, wherein themembrane and the first and second profiles are formed separately; and(d) at least one seal, wherein the at least one seal is formed bysecuring a portion of the inner surface of the first side wall to aportion of the inner surface of the second side wall, wherein the sealis positioned proximate to the zipper.